Adirondack Lake Assessment Program

2009

Twelve Years in the program Cranberry Lake, Loon Lake, Oven Mountain Pond, Blue Mountain Lake, Silver Lake, Eagle Lake Eleven Years in the program Little Long Lake, Gull Pond, Stony Creek Ponds, Thirteenth Lake, Eli Pond Ten Years in the program Austin Pond, Osgood Pond, Middle Saranac Lake, White Lake, Brandreth Lake, Carry Falls Reservior, Trout Lake Nine Years in the program Hoel Pond, Great Sacandaga Lake, Balfour Lake, Tripp Lake, Sherman Lake, WolfLake, Twitchell Lake, Deer Lake, Arbutus Pond, Rich Lake, Catlin Lake, Pine Lake, Lake of the Pines, Pleasant Lake Eight Years in the program Spitfire Lake, Upper St. Regis, Lower St. Regis, Garnet Lake, Lens Lake, McRoire Lake, Snowshoe Pond, Lake Ozonia, Long Pond, Lower Saranac Lake Seven Years in the program Raquette Lake, Lake Colby, Kiwassa Lake, Windfall Pond Six Years in the program Indian Lake, Schroon Lake, Lake Eaton, Chazy Lake Five Years in the program Dug Mountain Pond, Seventh Lake, Abanakee Lake, Moss Lake, Mountain View Lake, Indian Lake, Tupper Lake Four Years in the program Sylvia Lake, Fern Lake Three Years in the program Adirondack Lake, Lower Chateaugay Lake, Upper Chateaugay Lake, Lake Easka, Lake Tekeni, Lincoln Pond Two Years in the program Simon Pond One Year in the program Amber Lake, Jordan Lake, Otter Pond

Adirondack Lake

Assessment Progranl

Lake Colby

Summer 2009

January 2010

Author

Michael De Angelo

Project Participants

Michael De Angelo, Environmental Chemist, Executive Director ofthe A WI

Lisa De Angelo, Environmental Technician, AWl Joshua Wilson, Conservation Director of the RCP A

Prepared by:

The Adirondack Watershed Institute at Paul Smith's College

P.O. Box 244, Paul Smiths, NY 12970-0244

Phone: 518-327-6270; Fax: 518-327-6369; E-mail: mdeangelo@paulsmiths.edu

Program Management by:

Protect the Adirondacks

8 Academy Street, P.O. Box 1180, Saranac Lake, NY 12983

Phone: 518-891-1002

© The Adirondack Watershed Institute 2010

mailto:mdeangelo@paulsmiths.edu

Adirondack Watershed Institute Lake Colby 2009

Introduction

The Adirondack Lake Assessment Program is a volunteer monitoring program established by the Residents' Committee to Protect the Adirondacks (RCPA) and the Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWl). The program is now in its' twelfth year. The program was established to help develop a current database ofwater quality in Adirondack lakes and ponds. There were 69 participating lakes in the program in year 2009.

Methodology

Each month participants (trained by A WI staff) measured transparency with a secchi disk and collected a 2-meter composite of lake water for chlorophyll-a analysis and a separate 2-meter composite for total phosphorus and other chemical analyses. The participants filtered the chlorophyll-a sample prior to storage. Both the chlorophyll-a filter and water chemistry samples were frozen for transport to the laboratory at Paul Smith's College.

In addition to the volunteer samples, A WI staff sampled water quality parameters in most of the participating lakes as time and weather allowed. In most instances, a 2meter composite of lake water was collected for chlorophyll-a analysis. Samples were also collected at depths of 1.5 meters from the surface (epilimnion) and within 1.5 meters of the bottom (hypolimnion) for chemical analysis. Once collected, samples were stored in a cooler and transported to the laboratory at Paul Smith's College.

All samples were analyzed by A WI staff in the Paul Smith's College laboratory using the methods detailed in Standard Methods for the Examination ofWater and Wastewater, 2rt edition (Greenberg, et ai, 2005). Volunteer samples were analyzed for pH, alkalinity, conductivity, color, nitrate, chlorophyll a and total phosphorus concentrations. Samples taken by A WI staff were analyzed for the same parameters, as well as for calcium, chloride, and aluminum concentrations.

Results Summary

Lake Colby was sampled five times by a volunteer in 2009. Samples were collected for the lake on the following dates: 6/24/09, 7118/09, 8116/09, 8/30/09, and 10/02/09. Results for 2009 are presented in Appendix A and will be discussed in the following sections. Results are presented as concentrations in milligrams per liter (mgIL) or its equivalent of parts per million (ppm) and micrograms per liter (flg/L) or its equivalent ofparts per billion (Ppb).

I mglL = I ppm; I flgIL = 1 ppb; I ppm = 1000 ppb.

Adirondack lakes are subject to the effects of acidic precipitation (Le. snow, rain). A water body's susceptibility to acid producing ions is assessed by measuring pH, alkalinity, calcium concentrations, and the Calcite Saturation Index (CSl). These

· Adirondack Watershed Institute Lake Colby 2009

parameters define both the acidity of the water and its buffering capacity. Based on the results of the 2009 Adirondack Lakes Assessment program, the acidity status of Lake Colby is considered to be satisfactory with no threat from further acidic inputs.

Lirnnologists, the scientists who study bodies of fresh water, classify lake health (trophic status) into three main categories: oligotrophic, mesotrophic, and eutrophic. The trophic status ofa lake is determined by measuring the level of three basic water quality parameters: total phosphorus, chlorophyll-a, and secchi disk transparency. These parameters will be defined in the sections that follow. Oligotrophic lakes are characterized as having low levels of total phosphorus, and, as a consequence, low levels ofchlorophyll-a and high transparencies. Eutrophic lakes have high levels of total phosphorus and chlorophyll-a, and, as a consequence, low transparencies. Mesotrophic lakes have moderate levels ofall three of these water quality parameters. Based upon the results of the 2009 Adirondack Lakes Assessment Program, Lake Colby is considered to be a mesotrophic water body.

pH

The pH level is a measure ofacidity (concentration ofhydrogen ions in water), reported in standard units on a logarithmic scale that ranges from 1 to 14. On the pH scale, 7 is neutral, lower values are more acidic, and higher numbers are more basic. In general, pH values between 6.0 and 8.0 are considered optimal for the maintenance ofa healthy lake ecosystem. Many species of fish and amphibians have difficulty with growth and reproduction when pH levels fall below 5.5 standard units. Lake acidification status can be assessed from pH as follows:

pH less than 5.0 Critical or Impaired pH between 5.0 and 6.0 Endangered or Threatened pH greater than 6.0 Satisfactory or Acceptable

The pH in the upper waters of Lake Colby ranged from 7.28 to 7.76 and averaged 7.46. Based solely on pH, Lake Colby's acidity levels should be considered satisfactory.

Alkalinity

Alkalinity (acid neutralizing capacity) is a measure ofthe buffering capacity of water, and in lake ecosystems refers to the ability of a lake to absorb or withstand acidic inputs. In the northeast, most lakes have low alkalinities, which mean they are sensitive to the effects of acidic precipitation. This is a particular concern during the spring when large amounts oflow pH snowmelt runs into lakes with little to no contact with the soil's natural buffering agents. Alkalinity is reported in milligrams per liter (mglL) or microequivelents per liter (~eqlL). Typical summer concentrations of alkalinity in northeastern lakes are around 10 mgll (200 ~eqlL). Lake acidification status can be assessed from alkalinity as follows:

Alkalinity less than 0 ppm Acidified

Adirondack Watershed Institute Lake Colby 2009

Alkalinity between 0 and 2 ppm Extremely sensitive Alkalinity between 2 and 10 ppm Moderately sensitive Alkalinity between 10 and 25 ppm Low sensitivity Alkalinity greater than 25 ppm Not sensitive

The alkalinity of the upper waters ofLake Colby ranged from 43.7 ppm to 58.8 ppm and averaged 50.2 ppm. These values indicate no sensitivity to acidification.

Calcium

Calcium is one of the buffering materials that occur naturally in the environment. However, it is often in short supply in Adirondack lakes and ponds, making these bodies ofwater susceptible to acidification by acid precipitation. Calcium concentrations provide information on the buffering capacity of that lake, and can assist in determining the timing and dosage for acid mitigation (liming) activities. Adirondack lakes containing less than 2.5 ppm ofcalcium are considered to be sensitive to acidification.

The calcium in Lake Colby was found to be 7.29 ppm when sampled in June of 2009. This shows us a lake that is not sensitive to further acidification at this time.

Calcite Saturation Index

The Calcite Saturation Index (CSn is another method that is used to determine the sensitivity of a lake to acidification. High CSI values are indicative of increasing sensitivity to acidic inputs. CSI is calculated using the following formula:

.Jd:L Alk CSI = - 10glO 40000 - 10glO 50000 - pH+ 2

Where Ca = Calcium level ofwater sample in ppm or mglL Alk =Alkalinity of the water sample in ppm or mg/L pH = pH of the water sample in standard units

Lake sensitivity to acidic inputs is assessed from CSI as follows:

CSI greater than 4 Very vulnerable to acidic inputs CSI between 3 & 4 Moderately vulnerable to acidic inputs CSI less than 3 Low vulnerability to acidic inputs

The CSI value for Lake Colby was found to be 1.20 in June of2009. This shows that Lake Colby has a very low vulnerability to further acidic inputs.

Total Phosphorus

Phosphorus is one ofthe three essential nutrients for life, and in northeastern lakes, it is often the controlling, or limiting, nutrient in lake productivity. Total

Adirondack Watershed Institute Lake Colby 2009

phosphorus is a measure of all fonns ofphosphorus, both organic and inorganic. Total phosphorus concentrations are directly related to the trophic status (water quality conditions) of a lake. Excessive amounts of phosphorus can lead to algae blooms and a loss of dissolved oxygen within the lake. Surface water (epilimnion) concentrations of total phosphorus less than 10 ppb are associated with oligotrophic (clean, clear water) conditions. Concentrations greater than 25 ppb are associated with eutrophic (nutrientrich) conditions.

The total phosphorus in the upper waters of Lake Colby ranged from 12 to 22 ppb and they averaged 16.0 ppb. This is indicative ofmeso trophic conditions.

Chlorophyll-a

Chlorophyll-a is the green pigment in plants used for photosynthesis, and measuring it provides information on the amount of algae (microscopic plants) in lakes. Chlorophyll-a concentrations are also used to classify a lakes trophic status. Concentrations less than 2 ppb are associated with oligotrophic conditions and those greater than 8 ppb are associated with eutrophic conditions.

The chlorophyll-a concentrations in the upper waters of Lake Colby ranged from 2.80 ppb to 7.15 ppb and averaged 4.56 ppb. This is indicative ofmesotrophic conditions.

Secchi Disk Transparency

Transparency is a measure ofwater clarity in lakes and ponds. It is determined by lowering a 20 cm black and white disk (Secchi) into a lake to the depth where it is no longer visible from the surface. This depth is then recorded in meters. Since algae are the main determinant ofwater clarity in non-stained, low turbidity (suspended silt) lakes, transparency also is used as an indicator of the trophic status of a body ofwater. Secchi disk transparencies greater than 4.6 meters (15.1 feet) are associated with oligotrophic conditions, while values less than 2 meters (6.6 feet) are associated with eutrophic conditions (DEC & FOLA, 1990).

Secchi disk transparency in Lake Colby ranged from 2.5 meters to 4.5 meters and averaged 3.7 meters. This value is indicative ofmeso trophic conditions.

Nitrate

Nitrogen is another essential nutrient for life. Nitrate is an inorganic form of nitrogen that is naturally occurring in the environment. It is also a component of atmospheric pollution. Nitrogen concentrations are usually less than 1 ppm in most lakes. Elevated levels ofnitrate concentration may be indicative of lake acidification or wastewater pollution.

The nitrate in the upper waters of Lake Colby ranged from 0.0 to 0.3 ppm. The average nitrate for Lake Colby was 0.16 ppm.

Adirondack Watershed Institute Lake Colby 2009

Chloride

Chloride is an anion that occurs naturally in surface waters, though typically in low concentrations. Background concentrations ofchloride in Adirondack Lakes are usually less than I ppm. Chloride levels 10 ppm and higher is usually indicative of pollution and, if sustained, can alter the distribution and abundance of aquatic plant and animal species. The primary sources ofadditional chloride in Adirondack lakes are road salt (from winter road de-icing) and wastewater (usually from faulty septic systems). The most salt impacted waters in the Adirondacks usually have chloride concentrations of 100 ppm or less.

The chloride in the upper waters of Lake Colby was ranged from 31 ppm to 57 ppm and the average value was 41.2 ppm. This level should raise concern as well as levels found in past years.

Conductivity

Conductivity is a measure of the ability ofwater to conduct electric current, and will increase as dissolved minerals build up within a body ofwater. As a result, conductivity is also an indirect measure of the number of ions in solution, mostly as inorganic substances. High conductivity values (greater than 50 J.1ohms/cm) may be indicative ofpollution by road salt runoff or faulty septic systems. Conductivities may be naturally high in water that drains from bogs or marshes. Eutrophic lakes often have conductivities near 100 J.1ohmslcm, but may not be characterized by pollution inputs. Clean, clear-water lakes in our region typically have conductivities up to 30 J.1ohms/cm, but values less than 50 J.1ohms/cm are considered normal.

The conductivity in the upper waters ofLake Colby ranged from 148.8J.1Ohmslcm to 239.0J.1ohms/cm and averaged 193.4J.1ohmslcm. These levels raise concern and are most likely high due to the very high chloride levels.

Color

The color of water is affected by both dissolved materials (e.g., metallic ions, organic acids) and suspended materials (e.g., silt and plant pigments). Water samples are collected and compared to a set of standardized chloroplatinate solutions in order to assess the degree of coloration. The measurement of color is usually used in lake classification to describe the degree to which the water body is stained due to the accumulation of organic acids. The standard for drinking water color, as set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) using the platinum-cobalt method, is 15 Pt-Co. However, dystrophic lakes (heavily stained, often the color oftea) are common in this part of the country, and are usually found in areas with poorly drained soils and large amounts ofconiferous vegetation (i.e., pines, spruce, hemlock). Dystrophic lakes usually have color values upwards of 75 Pt-Co.

Adirondack Watershed Institute Lake Colby 2009

Color can often be used as a possible index oforganic acid content since higher amounts of total organic carbon (TOC) are usually found in colored waters. TOC is important because it can bond with aluminum in water, locking it up within the aquatic system and resulting in possible toxicity to fish (see Aluminum).

The color in the upper waters of Lake Colby ranged from 7 Pt-Co to 29 Pt-Co and averaged 14.4 Pt-Co.

Aluminum

Aluminum is one of the most abundant elements found within the earth's crust. Acidic runoff (from rainwater and snowmelt) can leach aluminum out of the soil as it flows into streams and lakes. If a lake is acidic enough, aluminum may also be leached from the sediment at the bottom of it. Low concentrations ofaluminum can be toxic to aquatic fauna in acidified water bodies, depending on the type of aluminum available, the amount ofdissolved organic carbon available to bond with the aluminum, and the pH of the water. Aluminum can form thick mucus that has been shown to cause gill destruction in aquatic fauna (Le., fish, insects) and, in cases ofprolonged exposure, can cause mortality in native fish populations (potter, 1982). Aluminum concentrations are reported as mgIL of total dissolved aluminum.

The aluminum in Lake Colby was found to be 0.000 ppm in June 2009.

Dissolved Oxygen

The dissolved oxygen in a lake is an extremely important parameter to measure. If dissolved oxygen decreases as we approach the bottom ofa lake we know that there is a great amount ofbacterial decay that is going on. This usually means that there is an abundance ofnutrients, like phosphorous that have collected on the lake bottom. Oligotrophic lakes tend to have the same amount ofdissolved oxygen from the surface waters to the lake bottom, thus showing very little bacterial decay. Eutrophic lakes tend to have so much decay that their bottom waters will have very little dissolved oxygen. Cold-water fish need 6.0 ppm dissolved oxygen to thrive and reproduce. Warm water fish need 4.0 ppm oxygen.

The dissolved oxygen and temperature profiles for Lake Colby for 2009 were not measured due to lack ofa site visit by AWl staff. The profile from 2004 can be found in the Appendix.

Summary

Lake Colby was a moderately productive mesotrophic lake during 2009. Based on the results of the 2009 Adirondack Lakes Assessment program, the acidity status ofLake Colby is considered to be satisfactory with no threat from further acidic inputs.

Adirondack Watershed Institute Lake Colby 2009

Seven years ofdata is sufficient to begin to detect water quality trends. In 2009 the pH, conductivity, total phosphorous, chlorophyll-a, nitrate and chloride levels increased as compared to 2008 levels. Conversely, the alkalinity, color Secchi disk transparency, and calcium levels all decreased as compared to levels in 2008. The lake looked healthy and did not experience an algae bloom during the 2009 sampling period but did experience elevated total phosphorous and chlorophyll-a levels during the July sampling. The total phosphorous levels were higher than any other year except 2006 during the last year. This led to more algae growth as shown by the increased chlorophyll a levels and this led to decreased Secchi disk transparency readings for 2009.

The 2009 summer season was the second worst in terms ofwater quality issues; only 2006 had higher levels ofcontaminants. The summer of2009 was a very wet summer and this extra runoffcould have affected the water quality ofLake Colby. Road salt continues to be a problem for Lake Colby as shown by the high conductivity and chloride levels.

Little Colby Pond was sampled for the first time on two occasions in 2008. The pH and alkalinity were very similar to that of Lake Colby. The other parameters show a pond that has worse water quality than Lake Colby. The conductivity, color, total phosphorous, chlorophyll-a, and chloride were much higher for Little Colby over Lake Colby.

Literature Cited

DEC & FOLA (1990). Diet for a Small Lake: A New Yorker's Guide to Lake Management.

New York State Department ofEnvironmental Conservation & The Federation of Lake Associations, Inc.: Albany, New York.

Greenberg, AE., Eaton, A.D., and Leseri, L.A (editors). (2005). Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 21st Edition. American Public Health Association: Washington, D.C.

Potter, W. (1982). The Effects ofAir Pollution and Acid Rain on Fish, Wildlife and Their Habitats - Lakes. Technical Report FWS/OBS - 80/50.4. United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Biological Services Program: Washington, D.C.

Adirondack Watershed Institute Lake Colby 2009

Appendix A

Water Quality Data

f • i. , I l'~ .j'~'-~'~,;J ~:ffll:~ '~~~'-' \,' f ',; . , if i , I 1 • 'I {i ~-=-~: ;";:_~_A_:r. ~~~~:~ ... ~; :~ ~ "--'--_~~_~ ~__t _'_l______~_______ ~ .__':. ______

--Vol I Lake Colby ':-0 I 0.0220Deephole 7/1812009 7,5000 52.4000 178.6000 9.0000 y p 8 8

Vol Lake Colby Deephole 811612009 7.2800 I 43.7000 235.0000 17.0000 0.014()-Vol Lake Colby Deephole 8130/2009 7.7600 I 58.8000 165.5000 7.0000 0.0150 Vol Lake Colby Deephole 101212009 7.3300 47.4000 239.0000 29.0000 0.0120

Mean I

7.4620 50.1800 193.3800 14.4000 I 0.0160i O.oO~

i i Std Dev 0.1879 I 5.7325 41.2205 8.9889 L... --i I

I _ <